THOMAS Sorensen claims the feel-good factor is back at Aston Villa and is convinced the Martin O'Neill-Randy Lerner partnership is building a team capable of challenging for major honours.

THOMAS Sorensen claims the feel-good factor is back at Aston Villa and is convinced the Martin O'Neill-Randy Lerner partnership is building a team capable of challenging for major honours.

Denmark goalkeeper Sorensen has revealed his morale was as low as many of his team-mates' last season when Villa flirted with relegation from the Barclays Premiership.

But the former Sunderland stopper now detects a buzz about the club again and he wants to be part of the revolution led by manager O'Neill and new owner and chairman Lerner.

Sorensen said: "This season, the change was needed from the top of the club and, when it happened, that was a real massive boost for everyone.

"Of course, Doug Ellis did a fantastic job but it was time for a change and that has come, and already a few good players have come into the club.

"Given time, and with maybe more new players coming in during next summer, I am sure they .125O'Neill and Lerner.375 will get their team in place.

"I am sure we will get a very good team and that we will be a strong contender for the top half of the table and some success for years to come.

"Last season, a lot of us weren't happy with things at Villa and were down and it is definitely looking up. It is a big change and we want to be a part of this, where this club is going - so it is up to us to perform."

Sorensen has been encouraged by the way January signings John Carew and Ashley Young have quickly settled in at Villa and they impressed against Newcastle and in the weekend win over West Ham.

He said: "The two new boys have both managed a goal in their first two games and that's a great start for them and we really look like a threat now.

"That compares to earlier in the season when we probably looked a bit tame. It provides a big confidence boost for the team, knowing we can score."

Sorensen showed his level of performances remains as high as ever with two stunning saves in the closing stages of Saturday's 1-0 win over West Ham denying Matthew Etherington and Calum Davenport.

Sorensen said: "I had nothing to do for 85 minutes and then everything to do in 90 seconds!

"It was a bit hectic but it's nice to come to an age now where you've got experience because that helps a lot and, against West Ham, I could definitely use a bit of that.

"I was very happy with that and it would have been sad and hard to take if we had conceded an equaliser after a very good performance from everyone."